Bits and Pieces of the National League East

Bits and Pieces is your weekly More Than a Fan source for all the interesting stories out of the National League East. Whether you want pictures, videos, or just the half news/half bad jokes column you’ve come to expect from me, this is the place to be.

Every installment of Bits and Pieces will be led off by the current National League East standings next to my preseason predictions. We’ll be chronicling my idiocy all season.

Standings

Current

My Prediction

Tm

W

L

W-L%

GB

Washington Nationals

14

8

.636

—

Marlins

Atlanta Braves

14

8

.636

—

Phillies

New York Mets

13

9

.591

1

Nationals

Philadelphia Phillies

10

12

.455

4

Braves

Miami Marlins

8

13

.381

5.5

Mets

History of the Tomahawk Chop

This is an interesting video I stumbled upon while looking around for quirky National League news this week. Frankly, I’m surprised the Tomahawk Chop isn’t a 50 year old, quasi-racist tradition.

Lee (Not) Ready to Return

“It’s better,” Cliff Lee said. “It’s slowly getting better.”

That’s not exactly the kind of go get ’em attitude you want to hear when you’re getting an update from a premier starter, but the Phillies will take it considering there’s no need to rush Lee back from his left oblique strain. Lee is eligible to be reactivated as early as Friday, but look for him to miss at least one more start.

I mean, why not miss more time? It’s not like I predicted the Phillies to contend for the division on the strength of their starting rotation, or anything.

Wright is Sweeter Than Strawberry

David Wright is batting .397 and leading the surging New York Mets into playoff contention. Wright is kicking 2012’s behind this year, but last Wednesday, he kicked history’s ass.

The two-run home run in the video moved Wright ahead of Darryl Strawberry for most RBI in Mets franchise history. Straw isn’t exactly a Hall of Famer, but being the best of your franchise in anything other than corked bats or used syringes is a pretty big deal. So, congratulations to David Wright. Now, get back to the basement so I’ll look smarter at the end of the season.

Chipper Turns 40

Chipper Jones celebrated his 40th birthday in style last Tuesday by hitting a birthday homer.

In other news, Chipper Jones is 40. When the Braves visit the Colorado Rockies to face 49-year-old Jamie Moyer, the local Bob Evans during the crowded 3pm dinner rush is going to be the best autograph getting grounds in Colorado.